Understanding how the property tax system works is the first step toward participating in it effectively.
Property values used for taxation in Texas are typically determined through a process called mass appraisal. This approach allows appraisal districts to estimate the value of thousands of properties using statistical models and market data.
While this system provides a consistent way to evaluate large numbers of properties, it may not always reflect the specific details of an individual property.
Homeowners have the opportunity to participate in the process by filing a Notice of Protest if they believe the appraised value of their property should be reviewed.
The protest process allows property owners to present information that may be relevant to the valuation of their property.
Tell Us About Your Property →Key Terms
Appraisal districts typically determine property values using mass appraisal, a process designed to estimate the value of many properties at once using statistical models and market data.
While this system is efficient for evaluating large numbers of properties, it may not always reflect the specific details of an individual property.
A property tax protest allows homeowners to present information that may be relevant to the valuation of their particular property.
Mass appraisal estimates thousands of homes.
A protest allows the story of yours to be considered.
Property taxes in Texas are calculated through several steps. Understanding this process helps homeowners see how appraisal values, exemptions, and tax rates all contribute to the final tax bill.
Understanding the process helps homeowners participate more effectively in the review of their property value.
Tell Us About Your Property →A clear path through the property tax protest process — from your first review to the final hearing.
Start by gathering the basic information about your property and its current appraisal.
Relevant documentation, comparable sales, and property details are reviewed and organized.
A Notice of Protest may be filed before the applicable deadline with your county appraisal district.
Information is reviewed during the informal meeting or Appraisal Review Board hearing.
The person behind GPS — and the one who'll fight for your tax bill.
With more than 20 years of experience as an educator, advocate, and REALTOR®, Kimberly Jones has spent her career helping people understand property values and the real estate process.
Property values used for taxation are often generated using mass appraisal models, which estimate thousands of properties at once using statistical analysis and market data. While efficient, these models may not reflect the specific details of an individual property.
Kimberly helps homeowners understand how the system works, how appraisal values are determined, and how to prepare information that may be relevant during the property tax protest process.
Her approach is built around three guiding principles.
GPS is Kimberly Jones.
A real person.
An educator.
An advocate.
Someone who helps homeowners understand the process and prepare to tell the story of their property.
Tell Us About Your Property →Understanding these terms can help you navigate the property tax process with confidence.
To begin the process, please provide some basic information about you and the property. This information helps determine what documentation may be needed to review your situation.
Everything you need to know about protesting your property taxes in Texas.
In most Texas counties, you have until May 15th (or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later) to file a protest. Some counties have slightly different timelines, which is why it pays to have someone watching the calendar for you. Don't wait — the earlier we start building your case, the stronger it is.
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. In Texas, the general homestead exemption removes $100,000 from your home's value for school district taxes. If you're over 65 or disabled, you get an additional $10,000 exemption plus a tax ceiling that locks in your school taxes. If you own your home and it's your primary residence, you almost certainly qualify — and you'd be shocked how many Texans haven't filed for it.
First, we file a formal protest with your county appraisal district. Then there's an informal hearing — basically a conversation with an appraiser where we present comparable sales, condition issues, and other evidence that your property is overvalued. If we can't reach an agreement there, we go to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Kim handles every step. You don't have to take off work or learn appraisal law.
Almost always, yes. Even a small reduction in appraised value saves you money every year going forward. A $20,000 reduction might only sound like a little — but at a 2.5% tax rate, that's $500 back in your pocket this year, next year, and every year after. Over five years, that "small" protest saved you $2,500.
No. This is the biggest myth in Texas property tax. By law, your value cannot increase as a result of filing a protest. The worst that can happen is that your value stays the same. There is literally zero downside to protesting. None.
Most online companies use algorithms to mass-file protests and hope for the best. They might handle thousands of cases with minimal human review. GPS is the opposite. Kim personally analyzes your property, builds a custom case with real comparable sales, and shows up to argue on your behalf. It's the difference between a form letter and a lawyer in the courtroom.
Absolutely. Commercial properties often have even more room for savings because they involve income approach and cost approach analyses that most property owners don't know how to present. Whether you own a retail strip, an office building, or a warehouse, Kim has the expertise to build a compelling case for a lower valuation.
All of them. GPS Property Tax Consulting is based in Johnson County and serves every county in Texas. The property tax protest process can be handled remotely for any county in the state — from Cleburne to Houston to El Paso. Wherever your property is, we've got you covered.
Tell us about your property and we'll show you how much you could be saving. No obligation, no pressure — just answers.
All of Texas — every county, every city
Home base: Johnson County, TX
From the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley — wherever your property is, GPS is there.
